Arthur Rubinstein - Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor, Op 22 

There is nothing I could add to the more than 1000 comments on this video, except to express my deep appreciation that the world had such a great artist as Artur Rubinstein.

At almost 90 and nearly blind, Rubinstein still manages this encore performance, stretching the notes of the solo or near-solo parts of the 1st movement in heart-wrenching manner, and making the extraordinarily difficulties of the three movements look simple. A true master of his craft, his repertoire is a testament to virtuosity and musicianship at their finest.

Arthur Rubinstein: the first performance of this concerto - in 1900 (13 years old) - Saint-Saens was 65. the last performance - we can see here - in 1975 (88 years old). 75 YEARS LATER!!!

Rubinstein once asked Ravel where he got his fantastic art of orchestration, and Ravel replied Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No 2 in G Minor ( from an interview Rubinstein gave at 90.)

I will be eternally grateful to this eighty-eight year old man for giving me immense joy and pleasure by performing this beautiful concert

This performance was filmed in 1975 when Rubinstein was 88 (and nearly blind), without an audience in the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, London (which opened in 1962). As a boy, I had the great privilege to hear this extraordinary human being perform the Saint-Saëns 2nd in early January of 1969 at [the then] Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center, with Dr. Alfred Wallenstein conducting the Symphony of the Air (which had grown out of Arturo Toscanini's NBC Symphony Orchestra). (The companion works on the program were the Chopin 2nd Concerto and the Franck Symphonic Variations; the encore was a repeat of the last movement of the Saint-Saëns.) These same forces made the classic 1958 RCA "Living Stereo" recording of the 2nd, produced by John Pfeiffer ("The Father of Living Stereo") and Max Wilcox (five-time Grammy-winner, whom Arthur Rubinstein called his musical collaborator), and engineered by four-time Grammy-winner Lewis W. Layton. It is also posted on RU-vid, in a superb transfer from the original three-track half-inch 30 ips master tape (and remains my "desert island recording"): I: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9egNdxFfg7A.html II: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ph8b_3zjiu8.html III: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-25l-XKl0FIk.html The week before at Carnegie Hall, I had heard these same forces perform the Schumann and Grieg Piano Concerti, together with the Chopin Grand Fantasy on Polish Airs. Nearly half a century later, the recollections of those two experiences-of-a-lifetime are as fresh as if they took place last week. That so many of the performances by these musical giants were recorded and preserved are truly gifts from the gods.

Rubinstein's playing is one of the most beautiful things I've found in my life..refined and vigorous at the same time. Overwhelming..

Watching him, I realize how distracting and stressful I find it to watch some other concert pianists play--the ones who toss their heads and wave their arms and grimace. He looks so peaceful--intent, but composed. What a joy to watch (as well as to listen).

This is one of my favourite piano concertos. I've never heard it played so meticulously before. Each note is like, touched very intricately and the fact that Rubinstein was almost 90 when he played this is just mind-blowing.

More than 50 years ago I attended one of his performances and was overwhelmed. At that time, there were usually green rooms where one could go backstage and meet the performer. I was only in my early 20s and was taken back to meet A.R. He was every bit as gracious and charming he was known for and kind to me. I kept looking at his hands which were bright pink, hot to touch and thick like a big steak. Good recordings almost never indicate the contours of a great performance in a great venue, but at least we have them to remind us of artists like Rubenstein.

Camille Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor, Op 22 1 Andante sostenuto 00:00 2 Allegro scherzando 13:05 3 Presto 19:31 Arthur Rubinstein, piano London Symphony Orchestra André Previn, conductor

No one sat a piano like Rubinstein! His stage presence was beyond reproach! His presentation was his alone ……. and only his! Can never be duplicated!!

As well as praising the fabulous talent of Rubinstein, we might also thank Camille Saint-Saëns for producing a masterwork. Saint-Saëns, no mean pianist himself, had been been soloist at the work's _debut_ in 1868, so we can only imagine how daunted Rubinstein must have been when, in 1904 and aged only 17, he found himself in Paris playing the work in the composer's presence. That's pressure!

Difficult to find a more dignified classical pianist who seemingly performs with such ease and yet authority.

Le 2eme Concerto de Saint-Saëns par Rubinstein : ROYAL ! Quelle maestria, quelle force, quelle puissance. Le jeu typique de Rubinstein: visage impassible, les doigts qui tombent avec précision sur les touches, et une virtuosité à couper le souffle. Ce concerto, puissant et frénétique, mérite de faire partie des "grands" (Brahms, Tchaikovski, Prokofiev). Il y a une entente parfaite avec l'orchestre et son chef André Prévin. LA référence absolue. Merci RU-vid.

One-of-a-kind human....forever in our hearts....thank you Mr. Rubenstein...💗

I think it's interesting how he runs through the arpeggios like he's skipping rocks on the water but anything longer than a quarter note he hangs on to wring out as much sound as he can. Something he's obviously given a lot of thought about. I really like it. And how did he ever manage to play like that still at his age. He one of the few who got better with age. Finally, Previn looks like a real dork in that medieval pageboy haircut, ugh. But then it was the early 70's; we all looked pretty dorky.

1:20 It's at this point when you should start asking: What falls faster, a man or his shares?

underrated. amazing concerto. that is all

Camile Saint-Saës was born in Paris on October 9, 1835. He always had a strong inclination towards music, had an immense musical memory, an extraordinary fine and fair ear. Enters the Conservatory of13 years old where he studied organ and composition. It was at this time that he met Liszt. At the age of 25, his position and his fame is universal, arousing admiration for Liszt , Berlioz and Bülov. It is on Liszt’s initiative that Samson and Delilah make their debut in Weimar. Between 1861 and 1865 he was a professor at Niedermeyer School where he was Fauré, Messager and Gigout as students. Through his teachings and his activity, he was at the base of Renaissance that leads Debussy and Ravel. The classicism and cold formal perfection of his work had a moderating influence on French music at height of the Wagnerian period. He composed operas, camara music,symphonic poems, concerts, sextets, and over one hundred melodies, etc. He died on December 16, 1921 in Algiers. Saint-Saës music is of incomparable beauty. Intersperses moments of great musical intensity with others of sublime delicacy. Emotiveness is followed by others of great beauty. The interpretation is fabulous, maybe the best I’ve ever heard. Rubinstein is perhaps one of the greatest pianists who ever lived. The sensitivity and cadence he puts into the interpretation are amazing. The orchestra and its direction are superb. Thanks for this work of art that combines an outstanding concert with a fantastic performer. Bravissimo.

Such an underrated piano concerto.

Amazing hands of an 80+ pianist.

Sublime is just a word until you hear Rubinstein. He must have had a spiritual connection to all the great composers whose work he interpreted. They would all give him a standing ovation for truthfully reproducing their true intent. Musicality has never been so pure and technical proficiency just a tool to convey those ulterior, creative dreams of composers. I have goosebumps from start to end when I listen to Rubinstein. Edit: A few months later. If you think how amazing it is that at his very advanced age and with several physical ailments (including legal blindness) he had the stamina to play this difficult concerto almost flawlessly with all the passion it needs. It makes you wonder how that is even possible. My deepest admiration and never-ending love for his tremendous work over 8 decades in the service of the greatest musical compositions. He has always and will always move me deeply.

pure music. no show-offs, no money things.

The first movement is breathtaking. The way AR lets it breathe and stretch... chills. As they come out of the cadenza I thought there was miscommunication about tempo until I saw the tranquility on his face. What musicianship! Truly one of the best that has ever been. Thanks for this recording!

The real musician is playing from heart, no need to shake the body and head.

1:21 Who would win the entire economy or a wavy line TNO bois here

Certainement Camille Saint Saëns était dans un moment de grâce exceptionnel pour avoir composé ces merveilleux instants musicaux. Interprétés par Rubinstein le grand, ils deviennent sublimes, incomparables, inoubliables.

J'adore son regard après la dernière note : et voilà le travail ! Immense pianiste, immense, gigantesque et grande figure du XXe siècle !

Fantastic! In every way. Todays show pianist should learn from him. He does not add all the arm, head, facial stuff to his playing, without all the gimmics he is a master of the piano playing technicly,musically, emotionally!!

It is amazing how Mr. Rubinstein's brain and his fingers work at 88 yrs. Thank you RU-vid for giving Me and us the opportunity to hear and see him close up. Wonderful recordings of Chopin, Saint-Saens concertos and others.

Wonderful to hear a man, who had contact with Grieg, Saens, Rachmaninov, Prokoffiev, Szymanowsky and Stravinsky and... and... and ...and....such a legend

He managed to be probably the greatest pianist in recorded history and hardly practiced. Can you imagine what he could have produced if he worked as hard as Michelangeli or de Larrocha? He used to learn concertos without even touching the keyboard, and then performed them. He was a Genius with a capital "G". Some may prefer Horowitz or fill in the blank, but absolutely no one could play like this at 88 except Rubinstein.

Rubenstein was born a great pianist. If you read the book on his life which I did 20 years ago, he was basically a playboy to whom a good cigar, a good drink and a good dinner with friends were the most important things in his life. As a pianist who needs months to digest a piano concerto, Arthur learned quickly and from all appearances: once a piece was learned, it stuck! Look at the relaxed expression as he plays. I heard him play the Brahms 2nd when I was 14 year of age with the San Francisco Symphony with Pierre Monteux conducting. He's a "forever artist".

There is no vocalist who sings as vividly and universally as Rubinstein. He is showcasing the music very well - but even more the ampleur and unity of his being. Loved him for 51 years now.

Such a beautiful concert, never can listen to it without crying.

Великолепно!!! Одно из лучших если не лучшее исполнение этого концерта! И прекрасный оркестр!

His memory for music was legendary - he could remember a piece years later without rehearsing it and would have to be goaded by his wife to review it before performing, which he could do flawlessly.

i love how just after the end, rubinstein immediately shifts back upright with a very stoic look. a man of great class and nobility.

For many years have been mesmerized by Arthur Rubenstein mastery on the piano this concerto no exception. Seems to have become more stronger as he ages. His energy just astounds!

Замечательное исполнение одного из любимейших фортепианных концертов. Спасибо солисту, музыкантам и дирижёру!!! Операторская работа и монтаж прекрасны.

This piece really should be played more often!

He comes across as a sensitive, carestaking, peaceful gentleman who so thotoughly understands and appreciates what he is playing. Thank you for sharing this really breathtaking concerto.

How great is Saint-Saëns - time lays down a red carpet into the future for such genius.

Movº1: 0:01 -1:29 -2:03 -3:27 -4:04 -5:19 -5:43 -6:25 -6:59 -7:11 -7:40 -8:46 -9:07 -9:27 -10:04 -10:38 -11:17 -12:01 -12:41 Movº2: 13:06 -14:19 -15:27 -16:42 -17:15 -17:42 -18:51 -19:19 Movº3: 19:33 -20:12 -20:40 -21:03 -21:09 -21:55 -23:08 -23:13 -23:17 -23:51 -24:09 -24:38 -24:42 -25:13 -26:00 The End :)

A terrific tribute to one of the great pianists of the 20th century. And Andre Previn looks so young here! Great stuff.

Watching this video reminds me of why he was my mom's favorite pianist. And mine as well. Not one given to excessive gestures his superb musicianship and technique spoke volumes. He let his fingers do the talking.

Rubinstein's live performance of this Concerto with Mitropoulos from 1950 is my favorite version, but this performance is a lovely to contrast to the virility of that performance. He creates a more misterioso effect in the first movement with Previn, which I really appreciate and I love how he molds the Concerto to his own personal pace and rhythm without ever losing the necessary force in the big climaxes. What a treasure he was!

MOVEMENTS 1)Start 2)13:05 3)19:32

I never heard a more beautiful interpretation of this piano work of Saint-Saens ! Is is extremely balanced all the way and techniquely never in unrest and perfectly being mastered.

What a great concerto! Definitely one of the best ever.. Браво! Такая наполненности энергией.! Низкий поклон и царствия небесного!.

An Unforgettable Maestro playind so elegantly, feinfühlig, and perfectly. We miss him a lot !

I'm not an expert, but I've heard a few performances of this piece, and to me there's something special about this one.

Как счастлив человек, реализовавший свой талант! И какое удовольствие наблюдать за игрой этого величайшего человека. И за всеми остальными в оркестре, безусловно. Единый организм. Настоящее искусство!

Rubinstein knew piano deportment! His piano presence was perfect. None of his mannerisms detracted the eye from the ear. A joy to watch, a joy to listen to and pure joy to have had him share the planet with us! My prejudice is showing but he’s the one I grew up with. Rubinstein........the best!

1:20 [ECONOMIC WARS] "Men stood by the sills, calmly, and waited for their turn to jump - A Tokyo Exchange secretary" [Out with a crash]

5:42 is one of the best musical moments i have heard of!

Очень понравилось！！！😀Рояль живой, звук не стеклянный, как у современных стэнвеев.Рубинштейн - высочайшей культуры и мастерства музыкант. Оркестр очень отзывчивый, шикарный баланс. Буду слушать и не раз！ Спасибо всем, кто причастен к этому видео！🌞🌞🌞

This performance never ceases to impress. Stunning.

This performance further proves that Rubinstein is the paradigm for pianists! Bravo!

8:30 to 9:30 - simply divine.

I am newly appreciative of concertos. This one takes my breath away. I love the ending.

-- Rubinstein, c'est la classe, la force & une grande dose de romantisme. --

Incredible. Beyond words

There are few things more satisfying than seeing Rubinstein let loose on the piano.

1st time I heard Rubenstein I was a child at 80 it's the same. Genius. Of course, no one could fault Maestro Saint Saens. A marvelous work. Thx so much.

Almost never noted on any classical music videos is the actual camera work. So many videos are recorded and edited by non-musicians, and there are countless times when shots of awesome technical passages of the soloist are exchanged for a clip of a supporting musician that is not actually doing anything particularly spectacular at the moment (and could easily be featured elsewhere). Just finished watching several like that, and as a musician it sometimes is a bit frustrating. I truly appreciate the production work that went into this particular video.

За роялем Гений!!! Артур Рубиншейн величайший пианист! Преклоняюсь перед его талантом. Восторгаюсь и восхищаюсь!!! Брависсимо, Брависсимо, Брависсимо МАЭСТРО!!!

Un Signore del pianoforte. Straordinario

Браво! Такая наполненности энергией.! Низкий поклон и царствия небесного!

That Rubenstein can just be in the zone and play with brilliance is incredible.

As a 21 years old pianist, I would be overjoyed to be able to listen to this live. It's so regretable that I was born too late.

Brings tears to eyes! Such wondrous beauty.

None of Lang Lang’s nor Yuja Wang’s theatrics and technical “fireworks” amaze me more than a performer who, like Rubinstein, can recite poetry and story tell with the depth and humbleness of this kind of artist. This can only happen when considering that one is an emissary of the composer which is the opposite of acting as if one were the genius who created the work.

One of the greats! Beautifully musical while at the same time super clear, clean and transparent, with economy of movement and self-restraint. Subtle and nuanced.

Arthur Rubinstein and Andre Previn, what a combination - such a joy to listen to... Wonderful

Arthur Rubinstein a master pianist with all the required sensibility & virtuosity and at least precision for being the appropriate musician for playing Saint Saëns.

I love this recording since I was 14 years old, this vocal freedom to play the phrases and the expressiveness of the sound touch my heart

this man is just THE perfect pianist. every note sounds like it should.

Incomparable Rubinstein!

1:20 when Yashuda Zaibatsu collapses

Wonderful. Incredible. And , additionaly, I love these pianists who know keeping sobriety, no grimaces, no arms in the air, like said Finsirith in the comments.

What a great concerto! Definitely one of the best ever.

As once Arther said ""At every concert I leave a lot to the moment. I must have the unexpected, the unforeseen. I want to risk, to dare. I want to be surprised by what comes out. I want to enjoy it more than the audience. That way the music can bloom anew. It's like making love. The act is always the same, but each time it's different." 25:45-26.12 must be how one feels climax...

What a master! What a concerto!

this was the first concerto I learned and the first performed with orchestra.......

You can find in Rubenstein's playing, a tons of golden tone. Each of the notes he played, sounded as clear and pure as crystal. He might not play as fast as you expected, but you can assure to hear a pure beautiful music that can reach the depth of your heart.

this is truly music. truly.

Those overtones.. What a piano. What a player. Forever the Master. What a recording. #pure bliss

Magnificent. They should have cheered him at the end, even if it meant breaking with protocol for an in-studio performance. I bet they all would in hindsight. What a superman and such an exquisite performance.

St saens est un des plus grands musiciens pour moi. Je suis Coreen et il m'a fait apprendre le francais.

nobody has ever played this better than Rubinstein.

Toujours la meilleure interprétation du concerto N°2 de St Saens pour moi après en avoir écouté beaucoup d'autres tout aussi bien mais c'est perso tout cela bellissime Merci

I went to see him with my mother a 65 years ago. She cautioned that "this might be his last performance". He outlasted her by three years! Genius doesn't begin to describe him.

Ah for the old days, when concert musicians didn't feel the need to be Hollywood actors and/or gymnasts on stage. So nice also to see a conductor like Previn who doesn't think his task is to flail his arms around as though he is trying to guide a in plane that's landing on an aircraft carrier. 👍👍👍

Снова слушаю и получаю счастливое время восприятия данного исполнения 11.9.20. Спасибо всем тем кто даёт такую возможность.

One of the last greats, his legacy will live on

Wonderful concerto... extraordinary pianist!

I've always loved this ole man and his approach. I am 79 years old this month and I can't wait till my next life so I can actually play the piano like this.....and not be me anymore.

Agree with the comment below. A most underrated piece. What a player too. Amazing 👏